2 Peter 3:13
What does 2 Peter 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 3:13 means
Against the backdrop of dissolution, Peter sets hope: according to God’s promise, believers look for new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. The future is not mere emptiness after judgment but a renewed creation saturated with righteousness—right relationship with God shaping every part of life. This promise echoes the prophetic hope and finds its fulfillment when the Lord and Saviour returns. The new order is characterized not by decay but by permanence and purity. Fixing our eyes here prevents despair and fuels steadfast obedience now. Christians await not just escape from corruption but the arrival of a home fully aligned with God’s will forever.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But having faith in his word, we are looking for a new heaven and a new earth, which will be the resting-place of righteousness.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise we do wait, in which righteousness doth dwell;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to his promises, in which justice dwelleth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But, according to his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
Context
Having described the end of the present order (vv10–12), verse 13 gives the promised alternative: a new creation as the believer’s hope. This hopeful vision anchors the ethical exhortations that follow. In verse 14, Peter will call his readers to diligence so that they may be found in peace, spotless and blameless when the Lord’s promise is realized. Verses 15–16 will interpret the present delay as salvation and connect these themes with Paul’s teaching.
v.12looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
v.13This passage
v.14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 66:22
For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith Jehovah, so shall your seed and your name remain.
- Isaiah 60:21
Thy people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.
- Isaiah 65:17
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
- Revelation 21:27
and there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
- Revelation 21:1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more.
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